Base flips Ethereum's volume: What it means for your L1 and L2 crypto investments

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Posted: December 19, 2024

Base surpasses Ethereum Mainnet in daily transactions, marking a milestone for Layer 2 growth
With $4 billion TVL, Base achieves rapid, organic adoption without token incentives or rewards

In a historic first, Base, the Layer 2 blockchain developed by Coinbase, has surpassed Ethereum[ETH] Mainnet in daily transaction volume.

This milestone marks a significant turning point for the Ethereum ecosystem. Layer 2 solutions like Base are enhancing Ethereum’s scalability and proving they can outperform the network they’re built on.

What’s groundbreaking is the blockchain’s growth without relying on incentives like token rewards or airdrops. Instead, its rise is fueled by organic adoption, with over $4 billion in TVL and unmatched user and developer retention.

For investors, this signals a major shift in focus. Layer 2 networks are no longer just supporting players; they’re becoming dominant forces in the crypto space.

What happened and why does it matter?

For the first time, the blockchain has processed more transactions than the Ethereum Mainnet.

This historic milestone underscores the growing influence of Layer 2 solutions, which are designed to make Ethereum faster, cheaper, and more scalable.

Source: Artemis

What makes this particularly groundbreaking is that Base, built on Ethereum, has now outperformed the network it relies upon.

It signals a major shift in blockchain dynamics: Layer 2s are no longer just supportive infrastructure but powerful networks in their own right. This achievement highlights Base’s ability to drive adoption and sets the stage for Ethereum’s scaling evolution.

The numbers behind Base’s rise

Base’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. The network reached $4 billion TVL faster than nearly any other blockchain, a testament to its rapid adoption and utility. Unlike many Layer 2 competitors, Base achieved growth without free tokens, airdrops, or rewards, showcasing real, organic adoption.

Another standout achievement is Base’s unmatched user and developer retention among Layer 2 solutions. Projects and users aren’t just joining Base; they’re staying, signaling a robust and sustainable ecosystem.

This retention highlights confidence in the platform’s long-term potential and positions Base as a leader in Ethereum’s scaling landscape.

What’s driving Base’s success?

What this means for investors

The blockchain’s rise has major implications for Layer 1 and Layer 2 ecosystems. For Ethereum, it highlights the critical role of Layer 2s in scaling. Investors may now question if Layer 2 solutions like Base deserve more focus.

The blockchian’s dominance could challenge rivals like Arbitrum and Optimism while creating opportunities for projects built on its network.

However, fierce competition and rapid innovation in the Layer 2 space pose risks. Savvy investors should monitor Base closely for early-stage opportunities while navigating the challenges of its rapid ascent.

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